Embedded Cooling Systems for Active Scalp Cooling Devices

Aspen Systems designs and manufactures OEM-grade miniature cooling modules that serve as the internal thermal engine inside active scalp cooling machines. Aspen does not manufacture or sell scalp cooling devices or cold caps to patients. Instead, we partner with medical device OEMs to deliver compact, high-performance cooling systems engineered for seamless integration into scalp cooling platforms.

Our miniature chillers provide precise, continuous temperature control, high cooling density, and medical-grade reliability—enabling OEMs to develop portable, quiet, and clinically effective scalp cooling equipment.

Aspen’s cooling modules are embedded inside customers’ medical devices to regulate coolant temperature delivered to external scalp interfaces designed and supplied by the device manufacturer.

Our miniature vapor-compression systems provide up to 1400 W of stable, continuous cooling in compact form factors optimized for integration into scalp cooling platforms.

Why Active Scalp Cooling Matters

Active scalp cooling relies on precise, consistent temperature control to reduce chemotherapy-induced alopecia. By lowering scalp temperature, blood flow and metabolic activity at the hair follicles are reduced, limiting drug exposure to rapidly dividing cells.

Challenges with legacy approaches

  • Frozen gel caps: Inconsistent temperature, frequent swaps, and increased staff burden
  • Large console units: Restrict patient mobility and valuable clinic space
  • Poor temperature stability: Temperature drift can compromise alopecia prevention outcomes

What clinics & OEMs need and Aspen Systems Delivers

  • Compact, low-noise modules delivering high cooling density
  • Precise, continuous temperature control across pre-cool, infusion, and post-cool phases
  • Easy system integration, low maintenance, and medical-grade reliability
Internal cooling engine designed by Aspen Systems

Miniature Cooling Modules for Cold Cap Systems

Aspen Systems miniature chillers are designed to be integrated into cold cap and scalp cooling systems developed by medical device OEMs. Modules are available as drop-in solutions or custom-configured assemblies. Contact us for datasheets, thermal specifications, and integration guidance.

Compact Liquid Chiller LCM-600

Key Features & Advantages

  • High cooling density in small form factors — industry-leading watts-per-volume
  • Precision temperature control — supports stable scalp temperatures throughout the full therapy cycle
  • Modular, scalable architecture — adaptable across multiple cold cap designs and flow paths
  • Low noise and clinical reliability — engineered for use in medical environments

Compact Liquid Chillers (LCM) Product Chart

Chiller Model Cooling Capacity Dimensions Weight
LCM-600 600 Watts 134H x 199W x 161D mm
(5.3H x 7.8W x 6.3D in)
2.7 kg
(6.0 lbs)
LCM-600G
natural refrigerant
600 Watts 134H x 199W x 161D mm
(5.3H x 7.8W x 6.3D in)
2.7 kg
(6.0 lbs)
LCM-650 650 Watts 137H x 192W x 225D mm
(5.4H x 7.6W x 8.9D in)
2.9 kg
(6.3 lbs)
LCM-650G
natural refrigerant
650 Watts 137H x 192W x 225D mm
(5.4H x 7.6W x 8.9D in)
2.9 kg
(6.3 lbs)
LCM-900 900 Watts 137H X 192W X 224D mm
(5.4H X 7.6W X 8.8D in)
3 kg
(6.6 lbs)
LCM-900G
natural refrigerant
900 Watts 137H X 192W X 224D mm
(5.4H X 7.6W X 8.8D in)
3 kg
(6.6 lbs)
LCM-1400 1400 Watts 212H X 337W X 228D mm
(8.3H X 13.3W X 9D in)
5.5 kg
(12 lbs)
LCM-1400G
natural refrigerant
1400 Watts 212H X 337W X 228D mm
(8.3H X 13.3W X 9D in)
5.5 kg
(12 lbs)

Integration & Engineering Support

Aspen Systems partners with medical device OEMs and system integrators to reduce thermal risk and accelerate development of scalp cooling platforms. Our engineering team supports the integration of miniature vapor-compression cooling modules into existing device architectures, helping ensure reliable performance, predictable thermal behavior, and a smoother path from prototype to production.

  • Thermal modeling, CFD analysis, and prototyping
  • Custom mechanical packaging and tubing interfaces
  • Control firmware and API integration
  • Regulatory and verification support, including EMC, safety, and life-cycle testing
chiller for chemo scalp cooling

Internal cooling engine designed by Aspen Systems

Customer Success — Enabling Proven Cold Cap Systems

Aspen Systems miniature chillers are trusted by medical device manufacturers as the cooling subsystem within clinically deployed scalp cooling solutions.

“Our original systems were based on re-freezable gel packs. We realized early on that active cooling would be needed for chemo procedures. Aspen supplied the Liquid Chiller Module LCM-900 that demonstrated excellent temperature stability in a small, lightweight package. Knowing we were getting technology that was military-hardened gave us the confidence that the reliability would match our clinical application.” — Christopher Blodgett, President, Welkins LLC

“The small, lightweight TRS-2 benefits both the patient and the clinic. For cold cap therapy, the patient can easily use scalp cooling before, during, and after chemo treatment. Portability allows the practitioner to free up the infusion chair immediately after treatment.” — Ciro D’Angelo, CEO, Arctic Cold Caps

Miniature Cooling with OEM Integration

Customer Success — How Aspen Systems Cooling Enables the Cooler Heads Scalp Cooling Platform

Aspen Systems supplies the miniature liquid chiller modules that power Cooler Heads’ portable scalp cooling system. By integrating Aspen’s compact, high-performance cooling technology into their device architecture, Cooler Heads delivers consistent, controlled scalp hypothermia throughout chemotherapy treatment.

Why this matters

  • Supports portability: Aspen’s compact cooling modules enable mobile scalp cooling without bulky consoles or dry ice
  • Delivers reliable thermal performance: Stable cooling in a lightweight (<7 lb) module designed for continuous operation
  • Improves system efficiency: Vapor-compression cooling outperforms thermoelectric alternatives in power consumption and temperature stability
  • Accelerates development: Aspen’s engineering support helped Cooler Heads iterate quickly and deploy a dependable solution

 

“We have been very pleased with Aspen Systems’ products and service — a 10/10 partnership which has allowed us to carry out our mission to save lives.” — Kate Dilligan, CEO & Founder, Cooler Heads

Cooler Heads' Amma has cooling by Aspen Systems

Frequently asked questions

How cold do scalp cooling systems need to get to reduce hair loss?

Most clinical protocols target scalp temperatures between 0°C and 5°C during chemotherapy infusion. Maintaining consistent temperature control throughout treatment is critical.

What cooling technology is best for cold cap systems?

Active refrigeration using miniature vapor-compression systems provides more consistent and repeatable cooling than passive ice or gel-based approaches.

Can Aspen Systems cooling modules be integrated into different cold cap designs?

Yes. Aspen works with OEMs to tailor flow rates, tubing interfaces, and control strategies to match each system’s architecture.

Are Aspen Systems cooling modules compliant with medical safety standards?

Aspen Systems’ modules are designed to support medical device integration, and our team assists OEMs with EMC testing, safety validation, and development processes aligned with FDA and ISO 13485 requirements.

Get a Quote | Application Questions

Please send us your requests; our team is happy to help.
You can also reach us by email at:  info@aspensystems.com
or by phone number at (508) 281-5322